Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-08 Thread Srikanth Ramakrishnan
Excellent Suggestion Praveen, +1.

On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 11:23 PM, praveenp me.prav...@gmail.com wrote:

 If this get implemented with enough background check with rigid
 criteria like credible 300 uploads/3000 edits +1 yr active
 participation in any indian lang wiki project so as active users can
 get full advantage, it will be great. Such a criteria will help to
 keep self proclaimed or self appointed wikipedia enthusiasists away
 from taking over wikimedians or misusing wikipedia photographer
 status.

 On 07/02/2012, Konarak Ratnakar konarak...@live.com wrote:
 
  Agree with Srikanth, as I can't join the chapter because I'm underage.
 
  Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 02:49:39 -0800
  From: parakara.gh...@gmail.com
  To: wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
  Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was:
  Backup for Wikipedians)
 
  I agree with fae about the entire issue.
  Last week, there was an Academy in Coimbatore at the Amrita University
 where
  I was denied entry as my ID card didn't state Wikipedia.
 
  For Commons, this may not be of much use. Most Police men chase us away
 for
  pulling out a Camera in Public.
 
 
  However, I do not see this reaching non members of the chapter,
 especially
  the under age ones like Vibhijain, or others.
  Re,
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:44 PM, Vickram Crishna 
 vvcris...@radiophony.com
  wrote:
 
  Further to Theo's suggestion (inline below)
 
  On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 7:15 AM, Theo10011 de10...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 
  Great suggestion Fae.
  As Srikanth correctly pointed it out, such an ID would be under the
 content
  scope, which neither the chapter or the WMF India operations have any
  jurisdiction over.
 
 
 
  I remember a couple of years ago, Wikinews tried this for their active
  editors, offering to print them 'official reporter' IDs. It was an idea
 at
  the time, and I'm not sure if they actually implemented it or not.
 
 
 
  For photographers, this would be the commons community. This shouldn't be
  too hard, I suggest someone mentioning the political situation and
  suggesting this for commons photographers in the VP. The great thing is
  since, it would be the community who would award it, there is little or
 no
  direct liability to an official body. There should however be a
 contribution
  record or an endorsement from someone to print these out.
 
 
 
  One thing the chapter can do however, is offer a special
  member/photographers ID to the existing members. This could be at a
  surcharge so they don't undertake any expense- they can print out plastic
  IDs with photos, and membership detail of the existing members. This ID
  might be able to suffice for the purpose.
 
 
 
 
  I don't think that the card should necessarily be printed at a
 centralised
  location. In fact, I don't even think this is desirable (from security
 and
  logistics viewpoints). It should be fairly simple to 'approve' a request
 for
  accreditation (framework discussed already), then lead to a web-based
  one-time card generator that the user can print and laminate herself. In
  case of problems printing, the user should have a fallback option to
 report
  the failure, in order to enable a second attempt for the card to be
 printed.
 
 
   Regards
  Theo
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:15 PM, CherianTinu Abraham 
 tinucher...@gmail.com
  wrote:
 
  The chapter can officially decide it only after a discussion within
 Board ,
  SIG leadership and the members.
 
  But on a personal level, I agree with Anirudh's view on this.
 
 
 
  Since it brings strong accountability for the chapter on the use of the
 ID
  by the recipients , this has to be done with caution and utmost care.
 
 
  May be we can set up an empowered committee to review such requests and
  grant them.  ( just a suggestion)
  Nevertheless, IMHO, such id cards should be issued to only trusted
  Wikimedians with a substantial amount of history with our projects and
  mission.
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Regards
  Tinu Cherian
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:22 PM, Ashwin Baindur ashwin.bain...@gmail.com
 
  wrote:
 
 
 
 
 
  We do need a Chapter EC Board member to respond to this.
 
 
 
  Warm regards,
 
 
 
  Ashwin Baindur
 
  --
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:56 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com
 wrote:
 
  The question whether the Chapter will help someone if they get into some
 
  sort of trouble with the authorities is an important one and should be
 
  addressed.  Once a letter of authority is issued to a volunteer, the
 
  chapter's reputation and credibility is on the line.  Therefore, the
  chapter
 
  must endeavor to only approve those members who have a substantial
 amount
  of
 
  history with our projects and their mission.
 
 
 
  In such a scenario, I would expect the chapter to extend help to those
 it
 
  endorses.
 
 
 
  anirudh
 
  (personal opinion)
 
 
 
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:52 PM, Anirudh Bhati 

Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-08 Thread വിശ്വപ്രഭ
Praveenp +1


On Wed, Feb 8, 2012 at 16:10, Srikanth Ramakrishnan 
parakara.gh...@gmail.com wrote:

 Excellent Suggestion Praveen, +1.


 On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 11:23 PM, praveenp me.prav...@gmail.com wrote:

 If this get implemented with enough background check with rigid
 criteria like credible 300 uploads/3000 edits +1 yr active
 participation in any indian lang wiki project so as active users can
 get full advantage, it will be great. Such a criteria will help to
 keep self proclaimed or self appointed wikipedia enthusiasists away
 from taking over wikimedians or misusing wikipedia photographer
 status.

 On 07/02/2012, Konarak Ratnakar konarak...@live.com wrote:
 
  Agree with Srikanth, as I can't join the chapter because I'm underage.
 
  Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 02:49:39 -0800
  From: parakara.gh...@gmail.com
  To: wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
  Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards
 (was:
  Backup for Wikipedians)
 
  I agree with fae about the entire issue.
  Last week, there was an Academy in Coimbatore at the Amrita University
 where
  I was denied entry as my ID card didn't state Wikipedia.
 
  For Commons, this may not be of much use. Most Police men chase us away
 for
  pulling out a Camera in Public.
 
 
  However, I do not see this reaching non members of the chapter,
 especially
  the under age ones like Vibhijain, or others.
  Re,
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:44 PM, Vickram Crishna 
 vvcris...@radiophony.com
  wrote:
 
  Further to Theo's suggestion (inline below)
 
  On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 7:15 AM, Theo10011 de10...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 
  Great suggestion Fae.
  As Srikanth correctly pointed it out, such an ID would be under the
 content
  scope, which neither the chapter or the WMF India operations have any
  jurisdiction over.
 
 
 
  I remember a couple of years ago, Wikinews tried this for their active
  editors, offering to print them 'official reporter' IDs. It was an idea
 at
  the time, and I'm not sure if they actually implemented it or not.
 
 
 
  For photographers, this would be the commons community. This shouldn't
 be
  too hard, I suggest someone mentioning the political situation and
  suggesting this for commons photographers in the VP. The great thing is
  since, it would be the community who would award it, there is little or
 no
  direct liability to an official body. There should however be a
 contribution
  record or an endorsement from someone to print these out.
 
 
 
  One thing the chapter can do however, is offer a special
  member/photographers ID to the existing members. This could be at a
  surcharge so they don't undertake any expense- they can print out
 plastic
  IDs with photos, and membership detail of the existing members. This ID
  might be able to suffice for the purpose.
 
 
 
 
  I don't think that the card should necessarily be printed at a
 centralised
  location. In fact, I don't even think this is desirable (from security
 and
  logistics viewpoints). It should be fairly simple to 'approve' a
 request for
  accreditation (framework discussed already), then lead to a web-based
  one-time card generator that the user can print and laminate herself. In
  case of problems printing, the user should have a fallback option to
 report
  the failure, in order to enable a second attempt for the card to be
 printed.
 
 
   Regards
  Theo
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:15 PM, CherianTinu Abraham 
 tinucher...@gmail.com
  wrote:
 
  The chapter can officially decide it only after a discussion within
 Board ,
  SIG leadership and the members.
 
  But on a personal level, I agree with Anirudh's view on this.
 
 
 
  Since it brings strong accountability for the chapter on the use of the
 ID
  by the recipients , this has to be done with caution and utmost care.
 
 
  May be we can set up an empowered committee to review such requests and
  grant them.  ( just a suggestion)
  Nevertheless, IMHO, such id cards should be issued to only trusted
  Wikimedians with a substantial amount of history with our projects and
  mission.
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Regards
  Tinu Cherian
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:22 PM, Ashwin Baindur 
 ashwin.bain...@gmail.com
  wrote:
 
 
 
 
 
  We do need a Chapter EC Board member to respond to this.
 
 
 
  Warm regards,
 
 
 
  Ashwin Baindur
 
  --
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:56 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com
 wrote:
 
  The question whether the Chapter will help someone if they get into
 some
 
  sort of trouble with the authorities is an important one and should be
 
  addressed.  Once a letter of authority is issued to a volunteer, the
 
  chapter's reputation and credibility is on the line.  Therefore, the
  chapter
 
  must endeavor to only approve those members who have a substantial
 amount
  of
 
  history with our projects and their mission.
 
 
 
  In such a scenario, I would expect the chapter to extend help to those
 it
 
  

Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-07 Thread Srikanth Ramakrishnan
I agree with fae about the entire issue.
Last week, there was an Academy in Coimbatore at the Amrita University
where I was denied entry as my ID card didn't state Wikipedia.

For Commons, this may not be of much use. Most Police men chase us away for
pulling out a Camera in Public.

However, I do not see this reaching non members of the chapter, especially
the under age ones like Vibhijain, or others.
Re,


On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:44 PM, Vickram Crishna vvcris...@radiophony.comwrote:

 Further to Theo's suggestion (inline below)

 On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 7:15 AM, Theo10011 de10...@gmail.com wrote:

 Great suggestion Fae.

 As Srikanth correctly pointed it out, such an ID would be under the
 content scope, which neither the chapter or the WMF India operations have
 any jurisdiction over.

 I remember a couple of years ago, Wikinews tried this for their active
 editors, offering to print them 'official reporter' IDs. It was an idea at
 the time, and I'm not sure if they actually implemented it or not.

 For photographers, this would be the commons community. This shouldn't be
 too hard, I suggest someone mentioning the political situation and
 suggesting this for commons photographers in the VP. The great thing is
 since, it would be the community who would award it, there is little or no
 direct liability to an official body. There should however be a
 contribution record or an endorsement from someone to print these out.

 One thing the chapter can do however, is offer a special
 member/photographers ID to the existing members. This could be at a
 surcharge so they don't undertake any expense- they can print out plastic
 IDs with photos, and membership detail of the existing members. This ID
 might be able to suffice for the purpose.


 I don't think that the card should necessarily be printed at a centralised
 location. In fact, I don't even think this is desirable (from security and
 logistics viewpoints). It should be fairly simple to 'approve' a request
 for accreditation (framework discussed already), then lead to a web-based
 one-time card generator that the user can print and laminate herself. In
 case of problems printing, the user should have a fallback option to report
 the failure, in order to enable a second attempt for the card to be
 printed.



 Regards
 Theo


 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:15 PM, CherianTinu Abraham 
 tinucher...@gmail.com wrote:

 The chapter can officially decide it only after a discussion within
 Board , SIG leadership and the members.

 But on a personal level, I agree with Anirudh's view on this.
 Since it brings strong accountability for the chapter on the use of the
 ID by the recipients , this has to be done with caution and utmost care.
 May be we can set up an empowered committee to review such requests and
 grant them.  ( just a suggestion)
 Nevertheless, IMHO, such id cards should be issued to only trusted
 Wikimedians with a substantial amount of history with our projects and
 mission.

 Regards
 Tinu Cherian


 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:22 PM, Ashwin Baindur ashwin.bain...@gmail.com
  wrote:

 We do need a Chapter EC Board member to respond to this.

 Warm regards,

 Ashwin Baindur
 --



 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:56 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com
 wrote:
  The question whether the Chapter will help someone if they get into
 some
  sort of trouble with the authorities is an important one and should be
  addressed.  Once a letter of authority is issued to a volunteer, the
  chapter's reputation and credibility is on the line.  Therefore, the
 chapter
  must endeavor to only approve those members who have a substantial
 amount of
  history with our projects and their mission.
 
  In such a scenario, I would expect the chapter to extend help to
 those it
  endorses.
 
  anirudh
  (personal opinion)
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:52 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com
 wrote:
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:42 PM, Srikanth Lakshmanan 
 srik@gmail.com
  wrote:
 
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 18:24, wheredevelsd...@hotmail.com wrote:
 
  Will the chapter or India Programs provide assistance?
 
 
  IIRC both of them lie outside the content boundary and wouldn't be
  helping. I dont recollect reading anything like protecting
 interests of
  wikipedians on the chapter's mission / vision. Form a political
 party
  (since asking the current ones might not help!) and fight for it,
 else sit
  at home and edit non controversial stuff like Brinjal :P
 
 
  Supporting Wikimedia volunteers in their mission to expand the scope
 and
  variety of content on Wikimedia projects is an important part of our
 stated
  goals.  I think this is a very good idea, and a little help to the
  volunteers from the chapter would go a long way in giving their work
 some
  credibility in the eyes of authorities, private and public both.
 
  anirudh
  (personal opnion)
 
  ___
  

Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-07 Thread Konarak Ratnakar

Agree with Srikanth, as I can't join the chapter because I'm underage.

Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 02:49:39 -0800
From: parakara.gh...@gmail.com
To: wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: 
Backup for Wikipedians)

I agree with fae about the entire issue.
Last week, there was an Academy in Coimbatore at the Amrita University where I 
was denied entry as my ID card didn't state Wikipedia.

For Commons, this may not be of much use. Most Police men chase us away for 
pulling out a Camera in Public.


However, I do not see this reaching non members of the chapter, especially the 
under age ones like Vibhijain, or others.
Re,


On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:44 PM, Vickram Crishna vvcris...@radiophony.com 
wrote:

Further to Theo's suggestion (inline below)

On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 7:15 AM, Theo10011 de10...@gmail.com wrote:


Great suggestion Fae.
As Srikanth correctly pointed it out, such an ID would be under the content 
scope, which neither the chapter or the WMF India operations have any 
jurisdiction over.



I remember a couple of years ago, Wikinews tried this for their active editors, 
offering to print them 'official reporter' IDs. It was an idea at the time, and 
I'm not sure if they actually implemented it or not. 



For photographers, this would be the commons community. This shouldn't be too 
hard, I suggest someone mentioning the political situation and suggesting this 
for commons photographers in the VP. The great thing is since, it would be the 
community who would award it, there is little or no direct liability to an 
official body. There should however be a contribution record or an endorsement 
from someone to print these out.



One thing the chapter can do however, is offer a special member/photographers 
ID to the existing members. This could be at a surcharge so they don't 
undertake any expense- they can print out plastic IDs with photos, and 
membership detail of the existing members. This ID might be able to suffice for 
the purpose.




I don't think that the card should necessarily be printed at a centralised 
location. In fact, I don't even think this is desirable (from security and 
logistics viewpoints). It should be fairly simple to 'approve' a request for 
accreditation (framework discussed already), then lead to a web-based one-time 
card generator that the user can print and laminate herself. In case of 
problems printing, the user should have a fallback option to report the 
failure, in order to enable a second attempt for the card to be printed. 


 Regards
Theo


On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:15 PM, CherianTinu Abraham tinucher...@gmail.com 
wrote:

The chapter can officially decide it only after a discussion within Board , SIG 
leadership and the members.  

But on a personal level, I agree with Anirudh's view on this. 



Since it brings strong accountability for the chapter on the use of the ID by 
the recipients , this has to be done with caution and utmost care. 


May be we can set up an empowered committee to review such requests and grant 
them.  ( just a suggestion)
Nevertheless, IMHO, such id cards should be issued to only trusted 
Wikimedians with a substantial amount of history with our projects and mission.






Regards
Tinu Cherian

On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:22 PM, Ashwin Baindur ashwin.bain...@gmail.com wrote:





We do need a Chapter EC Board member to respond to this.



Warm regards,



Ashwin Baindur

--







On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:56 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com wrote:

 The question whether the Chapter will help someone if they get into some

 sort of trouble with the authorities is an important one and should be

 addressed.  Once a letter of authority is issued to a volunteer, the

 chapter's reputation and credibility is on the line.  Therefore, the chapter

 must endeavor to only approve those members who have a substantial amount of

 history with our projects and their mission.



 In such a scenario, I would expect the chapter to extend help to those it

 endorses.



 anirudh

 (personal opinion)





 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:52 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com wrote:





 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:42 PM, Srikanth Lakshmanan srik@gmail.com

 wrote:







 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 18:24, wheredevelsd...@hotmail.com wrote:



 Will the chapter or India Programs provide assistance?





 IIRC both of them lie outside the content boundary and wouldn't be

 helping. I dont recollect reading anything like protecting interests of

 wikipedians on the chapter's mission / vision. Form a political party

 (since asking the current ones might not help!) and fight for it, else sit

 at home and edit non controversial stuff like Brinjal :P





 Supporting Wikimedia volunteers in their mission to expand the scope and

 variety of content on Wikimedia projects is an important part of our stated

 goals.  I think this is a 

Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-07 Thread praveenp
If this get implemented with enough background check with rigid
criteria like credible 300 uploads/3000 edits +1 yr active
participation in any indian lang wiki project so as active users can
get full advantage, it will be great. Such a criteria will help to
keep self proclaimed or self appointed wikipedia enthusiasists away
from taking over wikimedians or misusing wikipedia photographer
status.

On 07/02/2012, Konarak Ratnakar konarak...@live.com wrote:

 Agree with Srikanth, as I can't join the chapter because I'm underage.

 Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 02:49:39 -0800
 From: parakara.gh...@gmail.com
 To: wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was:
 Backup for Wikipedians)

 I agree with fae about the entire issue.
 Last week, there was an Academy in Coimbatore at the Amrita University where
 I was denied entry as my ID card didn't state Wikipedia.

 For Commons, this may not be of much use. Most Police men chase us away for
 pulling out a Camera in Public.


 However, I do not see this reaching non members of the chapter, especially
 the under age ones like Vibhijain, or others.
 Re,


 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:44 PM, Vickram Crishna vvcris...@radiophony.com
 wrote:

 Further to Theo's suggestion (inline below)

 On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 7:15 AM, Theo10011 de10...@gmail.com wrote:


 Great suggestion Fae.
 As Srikanth correctly pointed it out, such an ID would be under the content
 scope, which neither the chapter or the WMF India operations have any
 jurisdiction over.



 I remember a couple of years ago, Wikinews tried this for their active
 editors, offering to print them 'official reporter' IDs. It was an idea at
 the time, and I'm not sure if they actually implemented it or not.



 For photographers, this would be the commons community. This shouldn't be
 too hard, I suggest someone mentioning the political situation and
 suggesting this for commons photographers in the VP. The great thing is
 since, it would be the community who would award it, there is little or no
 direct liability to an official body. There should however be a contribution
 record or an endorsement from someone to print these out.



 One thing the chapter can do however, is offer a special
 member/photographers ID to the existing members. This could be at a
 surcharge so they don't undertake any expense- they can print out plastic
 IDs with photos, and membership detail of the existing members. This ID
 might be able to suffice for the purpose.




 I don't think that the card should necessarily be printed at a centralised
 location. In fact, I don't even think this is desirable (from security and
 logistics viewpoints). It should be fairly simple to 'approve' a request for
 accreditation (framework discussed already), then lead to a web-based
 one-time card generator that the user can print and laminate herself. In
 case of problems printing, the user should have a fallback option to report
 the failure, in order to enable a second attempt for the card to be printed.


  Regards
 Theo


 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:15 PM, CherianTinu Abraham tinucher...@gmail.com
 wrote:

 The chapter can officially decide it only after a discussion within Board ,
 SIG leadership and the members.

 But on a personal level, I agree with Anirudh's view on this.



 Since it brings strong accountability for the chapter on the use of the ID
 by the recipients , this has to be done with caution and utmost care.


 May be we can set up an empowered committee to review such requests and
 grant them.  ( just a suggestion)
 Nevertheless, IMHO, such id cards should be issued to only trusted
 Wikimedians with a substantial amount of history with our projects and
 mission.






 Regards
 Tinu Cherian

 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:22 PM, Ashwin Baindur ashwin.bain...@gmail.com
 wrote:





 We do need a Chapter EC Board member to respond to this.



 Warm regards,



 Ashwin Baindur

 --







 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:56 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com wrote:

 The question whether the Chapter will help someone if they get into some

 sort of trouble with the authorities is an important one and should be

 addressed.  Once a letter of authority is issued to a volunteer, the

 chapter's reputation and credibility is on the line.  Therefore, the
 chapter

 must endeavor to only approve those members who have a substantial amount
 of

 history with our projects and their mission.



 In such a scenario, I would expect the chapter to extend help to those it

 endorses.



 anirudh

 (personal opinion)





 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:52 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com
 wrote:





 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:42 PM, Srikanth Lakshmanan srik@gmail.com

 wrote:







 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 18:24, wheredevelsd...@hotmail.com wrote:



 Will the chapter or India Programs provide assistance?





 IIRC both of them lie outside the content 

Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-06 Thread Vickram Crishna
I think this is a great suggestion. I know that amateur and even
professional photographers (non-Press persons) face endless nuisance simply
due the lack of an official looking card.

Do we actually have an 'office'? If so, its address on the card would help.
Only thing is since probably the 'number' might be a volunteer, we should
try not to have such persons bothered by nuisance calls. Perhaps we can
take a SIM for the purpose and attach it to an answering service
(computer-based).

On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 4:55 PM, Fae fae...@gmail.com wrote:

 Could I make a practical suggestion to help those that might be
 challenged in public places or when going into institutions?

 In the UK we are looking at making official press cards for
 established Wikinews reporters. I know from experience that taking
 photographs in India can be problematic for many reasons, not just the
 police. If the local chapter could produce letters of authority or
 press ID for regular contributors, this might make our contributers
 feel a bit more confident about having something to produce when
 questioned about what they are doing.

 The press ID in the UK would work by the person having their
 identity on file with the London office. If there are questions about
 their work (for example photographs being taken or interviews) then
 the person's real life ID can be checked by phoning the chapter
 office. This does not have to compromize their on-line identity if
 anonymous, as real-life identity is kept confidential by the chapter.
 In most cases we would expect that having an official looking card
 or letter would solve most problems on the spot, particularly when the
 Wikimedian can say please phone my office if you want to confirm my
 details.

 You can find a discussion about the press ID system for the UK at
 http://uk.wikimedia.org/wiki/Microgrants/Wikinews_reporter_IDs. WMUK
 would be open to supporting an internationally recognized system along
 these lines.

 Thanks,
 Fae
 --
 http://enwp.org/user_talk:fae
 Guide to email tags: http://j.mp/faetags

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-- 
Vickram
Fool On The Hill http://communicall.wordpress.com
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Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-06 Thread Yann Forget
Hello,

Yes, it would probably help a lot.

Regards,

Yann

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Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-06 Thread wheredevelsdare

Yes, this would help a LOT, thanks Fae! 

This does not answer my original question though - what if someone gets into 
trouble? Will the chapter or India Programs provide assistance?

 Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2012 18:18:46 +0530
 From: yan...@gmail.com
 To: wikimediaindia-l@lists.wikimedia.org
 Subject: Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: 
 Backup for Wikipedians)
 
 Hello,
 
 Yes, it would probably help a lot.
 
 Regards,
 
 Yann
 
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Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-06 Thread Srikanth Lakshmanan
On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 18:24, wheredevelsd...@hotmail.com wrote:

 Will the chapter or India Programs provide assistance?


IIRC both of them lie outside the content boundary and wouldn't be
helping. I dont recollect reading anything like protecting interests of
wikipedians on the chapter's mission / vision. Form a political party
(since asking the current ones might not help!) and fight for it, else sit
at home and edit non controversial stuff like Brinjal :P

-- 
Regards
Srikanth.L
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Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-06 Thread Anirudh Bhati
On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:42 PM, Srikanth Lakshmanan srik@gmail.comwrote:



 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 18:24, wheredevelsd...@hotmail.com wrote:

 Will the chapter or India Programs provide assistance?


 IIRC both of them lie outside the content boundary and wouldn't be
 helping. I dont recollect reading anything like protecting interests of
 wikipedians on the chapter's mission / vision. Form a political party
 (since asking the current ones might not help!) and fight for it, else sit
 at home and edit non controversial stuff like Brinjal :P


Supporting Wikimedia volunteers in their mission to expand the scope and
variety of content on Wikimedia projects is an important part of our stated
goals.  I think this is a very good idea, and a little help to the
volunteers from the chapter would go a long way in giving their work some
credibility in the eyes of authorities, private and public both.

anirudh
(personal opnion)

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Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-06 Thread Anirudh Bhati
The question whether the Chapter will help someone if they get into some
sort of trouble with the authorities is an important one and should be
addressed.  Once a letter of authority is issued to a volunteer, the
chapter's reputation and credibility is on the line.  Therefore, the
chapter must endeavor to only approve those members who have a substantial
amount of history with our projects and their mission.

In such a scenario, I would expect the chapter to extend help to those it
endorses.

anirudh
(personal opinion)


On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:52 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com wrote:


 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:42 PM, Srikanth Lakshmanan srik@gmail.comwrote:



 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 18:24, wheredevelsd...@hotmail.com wrote:

 Will the chapter or India Programs provide assistance?


 IIRC both of them lie outside the content boundary and wouldn't be
 helping. I dont recollect reading anything like protecting interests of
 wikipedians on the chapter's mission / vision. Form a political party
 (since asking the current ones might not help!) and fight for it, else sit
 at home and edit non controversial stuff like Brinjal :P


 Supporting Wikimedia volunteers in their mission to expand the scope and
 variety of content on Wikimedia projects is an important part of our stated
 goals.  I think this is a very good idea, and a little help to the
 volunteers from the chapter would go a long way in giving their work some
 credibility in the eyes of authorities, private and public both.

 anirudh
 (personal opnion)

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Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-06 Thread Ashwin Baindur
We do need a Chapter EC Board member to respond to this.

Warm regards,

Ashwin Baindur
--



On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:56 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com wrote:
 The question whether the Chapter will help someone if they get into some
 sort of trouble with the authorities is an important one and should be
 addressed.  Once a letter of authority is issued to a volunteer, the
 chapter's reputation and credibility is on the line.  Therefore, the chapter
 must endeavor to only approve those members who have a substantial amount of
 history with our projects and their mission.

 In such a scenario, I would expect the chapter to extend help to those it
 endorses.

 anirudh
 (personal opinion)


 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:52 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com wrote:


 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:42 PM, Srikanth Lakshmanan srik@gmail.com
 wrote:



 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 18:24, wheredevelsd...@hotmail.com wrote:

 Will the chapter or India Programs provide assistance?


 IIRC both of them lie outside the content boundary and wouldn't be
 helping. I dont recollect reading anything like protecting interests of
 wikipedians on the chapter's mission / vision. Form a political party
 (since asking the current ones might not help!) and fight for it, else sit
 at home and edit non controversial stuff like Brinjal :P


 Supporting Wikimedia volunteers in their mission to expand the scope and
 variety of content on Wikimedia projects is an important part of our stated
 goals.  I think this is a very good idea, and a little help to the
 volunteers from the chapter would go a long way in giving their work some
 credibility in the eyes of authorities, private and public both.

 anirudh
 (personal opnion)

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Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-06 Thread CherianTinu Abraham
The chapter can officially decide it only after a discussion within Board ,
SIG leadership and the members.

But on a personal level, I agree with Anirudh's view on this.
Since it brings strong accountability for the chapter on the use of the ID
by the recipients , this has to be done with caution and utmost care.
May be we can set up an empowered committee to review such requests and
grant them.  ( just a suggestion)
Nevertheless, IMHO, such id cards should be issued to only trusted
Wikimedians with a substantial amount of history with our projects and
mission.

Regards
Tinu Cherian

On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:22 PM, Ashwin Baindur ashwin.bain...@gmail.comwrote:

 We do need a Chapter EC Board member to respond to this.

 Warm regards,

 Ashwin Baindur
 --



 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:56 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com
 wrote:
  The question whether the Chapter will help someone if they get into some
  sort of trouble with the authorities is an important one and should be
  addressed.  Once a letter of authority is issued to a volunteer, the
  chapter's reputation and credibility is on the line.  Therefore, the
 chapter
  must endeavor to only approve those members who have a substantial
 amount of
  history with our projects and their mission.
 
  In such a scenario, I would expect the chapter to extend help to those it
  endorses.
 
  anirudh
  (personal opinion)
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:52 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com
 wrote:
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:42 PM, Srikanth Lakshmanan srik@gmail.com
 
  wrote:
 
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 18:24, wheredevelsd...@hotmail.com wrote:
 
  Will the chapter or India Programs provide assistance?
 
 
  IIRC both of them lie outside the content boundary and wouldn't be
  helping. I dont recollect reading anything like protecting interests
 of
  wikipedians on the chapter's mission / vision. Form a political party
  (since asking the current ones might not help!) and fight for it, else
 sit
  at home and edit non controversial stuff like Brinjal :P
 
 
  Supporting Wikimedia volunteers in their mission to expand the scope and
  variety of content on Wikimedia projects is an important part of our
 stated
  goals.  I think this is a very good idea, and a little help to the
  volunteers from the chapter would go a long way in giving their work
 some
  credibility in the eyes of authorities, private and public both.
 
  anirudh
  (personal opnion)
 
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Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-06 Thread Theo10011
Great suggestion Fae.

As Srikanth correctly pointed it out, such an ID would be under the content
scope, which neither the chapter or the WMF India operations have any
jurisdiction over.

I remember a couple of years ago, Wikinews tried this for their active
editors, offering to print them 'official reporter' IDs. It was an idea at
the time, and I'm not sure if they actually implemented it or not.

For photographers, this would be the commons community. This shouldn't be
too hard, I suggest someone mentioning the political situation and
suggesting this for commons photographers in the VP. The great thing is
since, it would be the community who would award it, there is little or no
direct liability to an official body. There should however be a
contribution record or an endorsement from someone to print these out.

One thing the chapter can do however, is offer a special
member/photographers ID to the existing members. This could be at a
surcharge so they don't undertake any expense- they can print out plastic
IDs with photos, and membership detail of the existing members. This ID
might be able to suffice for the purpose.

Regards
Theo


On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:15 PM, CherianTinu Abraham
tinucher...@gmail.comwrote:

 The chapter can officially decide it only after a discussion within Board
 , SIG leadership and the members.

 But on a personal level, I agree with Anirudh's view on this.
 Since it brings strong accountability for the chapter on the use of the ID
 by the recipients , this has to be done with caution and utmost care.
 May be we can set up an empowered committee to review such requests and
 grant them.  ( just a suggestion)
 Nevertheless, IMHO, such id cards should be issued to only trusted
 Wikimedians with a substantial amount of history with our projects and
 mission.

 Regards
 Tinu Cherian


 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:22 PM, Ashwin Baindur 
 ashwin.bain...@gmail.comwrote:

 We do need a Chapter EC Board member to respond to this.

 Warm regards,

 Ashwin Baindur
 --



 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:56 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com
 wrote:
  The question whether the Chapter will help someone if they get into some
  sort of trouble with the authorities is an important one and should be
  addressed.  Once a letter of authority is issued to a volunteer, the
  chapter's reputation and credibility is on the line.  Therefore, the
 chapter
  must endeavor to only approve those members who have a substantial
 amount of
  history with our projects and their mission.
 
  In such a scenario, I would expect the chapter to extend help to those
 it
  endorses.
 
  anirudh
  (personal opinion)
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:52 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com
 wrote:
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:42 PM, Srikanth Lakshmanan 
 srik@gmail.com
  wrote:
 
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 18:24, wheredevelsd...@hotmail.com wrote:
 
  Will the chapter or India Programs provide assistance?
 
 
  IIRC both of them lie outside the content boundary and wouldn't be
  helping. I dont recollect reading anything like protecting interests
 of
  wikipedians on the chapter's mission / vision. Form a political party
  (since asking the current ones might not help!) and fight for it,
 else sit
  at home and edit non controversial stuff like Brinjal :P
 
 
  Supporting Wikimedia volunteers in their mission to expand the scope
 and
  variety of content on Wikimedia projects is an important part of our
 stated
  goals.  I think this is a very good idea, and a little help to the
  volunteers from the chapter would go a long way in giving their work
 some
  credibility in the eyes of authorities, private and public both.
 
  anirudh
  (personal opnion)
 
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Re: [Wikimediaindia-l] Letters of authority or press cards (was: Backup for Wikipedians)

2012-02-06 Thread Vickram Crishna
Further to Theo's suggestion (inline below)

On Tue, Feb 7, 2012 at 7:15 AM, Theo10011 de10...@gmail.com wrote:

 Great suggestion Fae.

 As Srikanth correctly pointed it out, such an ID would be under the
 content scope, which neither the chapter or the WMF India operations have
 any jurisdiction over.

 I remember a couple of years ago, Wikinews tried this for their active
 editors, offering to print them 'official reporter' IDs. It was an idea at
 the time, and I'm not sure if they actually implemented it or not.

 For photographers, this would be the commons community. This shouldn't be
 too hard, I suggest someone mentioning the political situation and
 suggesting this for commons photographers in the VP. The great thing is
 since, it would be the community who would award it, there is little or no
 direct liability to an official body. There should however be a
 contribution record or an endorsement from someone to print these out.

 One thing the chapter can do however, is offer a special
 member/photographers ID to the existing members. This could be at a
 surcharge so they don't undertake any expense- they can print out plastic
 IDs with photos, and membership detail of the existing members. This ID
 might be able to suffice for the purpose.


I don't think that the card should necessarily be printed at a centralised
location. In fact, I don't even think this is desirable (from security and
logistics viewpoints). It should be fairly simple to 'approve' a request
for accreditation (framework discussed already), then lead to a web-based
one-time card generator that the user can print and laminate herself. In
case of problems printing, the user should have a fallback option to report
the failure, in order to enable a second attempt for the card to be
printed.



 Regards
 Theo


 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 8:15 PM, CherianTinu Abraham tinucher...@gmail.com
  wrote:

 The chapter can officially decide it only after a discussion within Board
 , SIG leadership and the members.

 But on a personal level, I agree with Anirudh's view on this.
 Since it brings strong accountability for the chapter on the use of the
 ID by the recipients , this has to be done with caution and utmost care.
 May be we can set up an empowered committee to review such requests and
 grant them.  ( just a suggestion)
 Nevertheless, IMHO, such id cards should be issued to only trusted
 Wikimedians with a substantial amount of history with our projects and
 mission.

 Regards
 Tinu Cherian


 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:22 PM, Ashwin Baindur 
 ashwin.bain...@gmail.comwrote:

 We do need a Chapter EC Board member to respond to this.

 Warm regards,

 Ashwin Baindur
 --



 On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:56 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com
 wrote:
  The question whether the Chapter will help someone if they get into
 some
  sort of trouble with the authorities is an important one and should be
  addressed.  Once a letter of authority is issued to a volunteer, the
  chapter's reputation and credibility is on the line.  Therefore, the
 chapter
  must endeavor to only approve those members who have a substantial
 amount of
  history with our projects and their mission.
 
  In such a scenario, I would expect the chapter to extend help to those
 it
  endorses.
 
  anirudh
  (personal opinion)
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:52 PM, Anirudh Bhati anirudh...@gmail.com
 wrote:
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 6:42 PM, Srikanth Lakshmanan 
 srik@gmail.com
  wrote:
 
 
 
  On Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 18:24, wheredevelsd...@hotmail.com wrote:
 
  Will the chapter or India Programs provide assistance?
 
 
  IIRC both of them lie outside the content boundary and wouldn't be
  helping. I dont recollect reading anything like protecting
 interests of
  wikipedians on the chapter's mission / vision. Form a political
 party
  (since asking the current ones might not help!) and fight for it,
 else sit
  at home and edit non controversial stuff like Brinjal :P
 
 
  Supporting Wikimedia volunteers in their mission to expand the scope
 and
  variety of content on Wikimedia projects is an important part of our
 stated
  goals.  I think this is a very good idea, and a little help to the
  volunteers from the chapter would go a long way in giving their work
 some
  credibility in the eyes of authorities, private and public both.
 
  anirudh
  (personal opnion)
 
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